\jeff{krimmel}

Trying to Get Somewhere on Iraq

Senate Republicans and Democrats are coming together to call for a clearer plan from the White House regarding the eventual conclusion of the war in Iraq. In addition to making available such a plan, the White House would also be required to provide extensive quarterly progress reports to Congress.

It is comforting to see members of Congress finally reaching the same position as a plurality of Americans, namely that the war in Iraq appears to be unguided and seemingly unending, with casualties continuing to mount. Specifically, 54% of Americans now believe it was a mistake to send troops to Iraq. With numbers like this, the White House can expect to face mounting pressure to provide the progress reports and plan of action missing until this point.

The numbers don’t get better for President Bush. His approval rating is at a record low 37%, and 52% of Americans believe the phrase “is honest and trustworthy” does not apply to President Bush. For the first time, Americans who disapprove of the way he is handling the war on terror out-number those who approve.

If this situation is what it takes to cause lawmakers in Congress to come together to get this mess in order, then I am all for it.